5 Things to Know Before You Start Your First Mining Job

The minerals and resources sector can be a lucrative industry to forge a career in. Not only does it typically pay high wages, there are also some real work life perks, like the ability to work rosters that let you get significant amounts of time off. But it can also be a gruelling and potentially fickle way to earn a living. Below you’ll find five important points to keep in mind when it comes to working in the mining industry.

1. You May Have to Move Away from Home

While, over the past decade, miners could typically base themselves anywhere they liked and be flown to and from the worksite, there has been a shift in recent years to favor residential or at least state-based positions. This may mean that you have to relocate your family in order to find work in the industry or face hefty out-of-pocket expenses paying for travel costs yourself.

2. There Has Been a Significant Amount of Downturn in Recent Years

While there are still plentiful opportunities, being hired for a specific project or period of time is common in current mining contracts. This may mean that you need to keep a closer eye on vacancies for mining jobs than you did in years gone by. Register with reputable recruiters and keep an eye on sites like the Chandler Macleod website to keep up to date with the latest opportunities in the field.

3. You May Be Working Long Days and Nights

While it may seem like a dream to go away for a week or two and come home with the same amount of time off, it’s important not to underestimate how physically demanding the long hours and switch between day and night shift can be. Many people find that they can’t enjoy their break as much as they’d like as it takes them a couple of days to get used to being home and to adjust into a normal sleeping pattern.

4. You’ll Have a Better Chance of Getting a Job with Qualifications

There are very few opportunities for unskilled mining work nowadays, even in areas of seemingly high demand. You need to keep in mind that areas experiencing a boom are crying out for skilled and experienced staff, not just any people to perform the roles.

5. Skills and Qualifications Are Not Universal

Make sure you do your due diligence and ensure that any skills or qualifications you have are still current and recognized in the area you’re applying for work. While some accreditations are nationally and internationally recognized, others are only valid for the region in which they were obtained. Check before you apply to avoid the disappointment of having a position offered to you and then withdrawn.

Working in the mining industry has a lot of perks, but it can be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s important to know what you’re in for before you start trying to make it your career.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the mining industry? Please share in the comments below.